As parents, we often find ourselves at the brink of new realities, particularly when it comes to long-held traditions. This year, our family stands on the edge of a significant shift: recognizing that Santa Claus is, in fact, a fictional character and that the gifts under our tree are thoughtfully purchased from local retailers or discreetly delivered by online shopping services. Gone are the days of believing in a magical figure; now, it’s just us, the parents, with no elves in sight.
Our eldest daughter, who has cherished the magic of Santa more than any child I’ve ever met, is beginning to voice her doubts. It’s intriguing that a sixth-grader has maintained such strong belief for this long. However, it seems the reality check is finally upon us.
I had anticipated this moment for a couple of years, mentally preparing for what I thought might be the last Christmas with Santa. Yet, year after year, we found ourselves repeating the rituals: mailing letters to the North Pole, leaving cookies, and placing carrots on the doorstep for the underappreciated reindeer. All of this was preparation for this moment—the last Christmas where Santa was a part of our family tradition. Surprisingly, I find myself at peace with this transition. I have always loved Christmas, the spirit of Santa, and the enchantment of the season, but I also recognize that it’s time to embrace a post-Santa reality.
Growing up, Santa played a pivotal role in my own childhood, and I have no lingering scars from discovering the truth about him. Naturally, I wanted to continue this cherished tradition with my children. However, we didn’t just embrace it; we owned it. We would nibble on the cookies left out for Santa, sure, but I took my commitment to the myth to another level by sneaking out to munch on raw carrots, trying to mimic a reindeer’s bite while forcing myself to enjoy it. My preference for sautéed carrots with balsamic glaze certainly didn’t make this task easier!
One of my most brilliant strategies to uphold the Santa myth was to ensure that Play-Doh was always under the tree. Despite my personal disdain for the texture and smell of Play-Doh, I would somehow make it seem like a magical gift from Santa. My daughter would exclaim that “Daddy would never buy us Play-Doh!” which reinforced her belief in Santa. But as the years progress, so must the traditions.
While I recognize that this is a lie, it’s a beautiful one that has given my children memories far richer than my wife and I could have created alone. When she finally acknowledges that Santa isn’t real, I’ll wrap up a single yellow tub of Play-Doh, complete with a shiny bow. I can already envision the moment we share—a wink, a smile, a tear, and a heartfelt hug that encapsulates over a decade of love, joy, and holiday magic.
This transition may bring tears, but it’s a necessary step in our parenting journey.
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In summary, as parents, we must be prepared for the evolution of childhood beliefs and traditions. The magic of Santa Claus may fade, but the memories we create will last a lifetime.